“SpookyLuke, why are you not SSL??”

The highest rank I’ve ever been is Grand Champ 3, one rank below SSL.

For context, SSL in 2v2 is 1880 mmr. My peak is 1740, which is about 15-20 wins away. I solo queued there a couple times.

The obvious question is, “luke why not just grind until you get ssl then?”

I’ve been wrestling with it myself but the short answer is, it’s hard. And I need to play way more hours to do it.

Right now 90% of my time is stuff that’s not playing the game. If you called me on a random Tuesday I’d probably be doing one of three things:

1. Running my coaching business

2. Making YouTube videos

3. Coaching students

The main thing holding me back is speed and mechanical consistency. I’m slow. I need to get my hours up, which I don’t really want to do.

These days, getting SSL is just not the most important thing to me. With being an adult, YouTube, the business, fitness, friends and family have become more important.

Some people say I should grind cause it’s my job. But I don’t think that’s true.

Most people watch me because I break down complex rocket league stuff into simple steps for the average or everyday player. At the end of the day I’m a teacher. My job isn’t to be the best player.

Besides, I don’t do the bulk of the coaching at my company. That surprises a lot of people. I mostly coach for content. The pros on my team actually do the coaching day-to-day. They’re all former RLCS players, SSL of course, and on another level above me.

But I can’t lie I am jealous of everybody who is SSL, and I still play, hoping I’ll get it one day. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t.

Point is, it’s okay to have priorities outside of Rocket League. Touching grass is cool.

If you’re an adult playing rocket league in 2026, I feel the struggle. Getting to SSL takes a grind, but for most of you just trying to get to the next rank, you don't need to play 20 hours a week.

For most of you, the moral of the story is just be wise with your time. Do what matters to you. Only you can decide that.

One aging player to another. We’re all gonna make it. ✊

Let me know what you think

• Luke